Tension device for wire-fence machines



(No Model.)

W. DELAIN. TENSION DEVICE FOR WIRE FENCE MACHINES.

Patented Nov. 3, 1891.

i I o mnin 5 960 r "gimr f UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

\VIIIIIIAM DELAIN, ()F EARLHAM, IOlVA.

TE NSION DEVICE FOR WIRE-FENCE MACHINES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 462,303, dated November 3, 1891.

A ppllcatiun filed February 21, 1891- To aZL whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM DELAIN, a cilizen of theUnited States of America,and a resident of Earlham, in the county of Madison and State of Iowa, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in an Apparatus for lllaking \VovenWVire Fences, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has relation to improvements in apparatus for constructing fences wherein pickets are supported by two or more wires, for which Letters Patent No. 426393 were issued to me April 29, 1890, and has for its object the provision of improved means for gripping the wires and preventing them from slipping too easily and to regulate the tension of the wires, as required.

My invention consists in the construction of a grip and tightening device composed of two curved metal portions hinged together and provided with means for tightening and locking them against a set of wires which are interposed between them, one of which portions has a Windlass secured thereon by which the Wires may be tightened.

My invention consists, further, in certain details of construction hereinafter set forth, pointed out in my claims, and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top or plan view of my gripping and tightening device, a portion being broken away. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of said device. Fig. 3 is a perspective view, showing my complete device applied, as required for practical use.

A represents a curved metal plate, having a slot B in the apex of one of the curved portions, thereby forming a notch in said apex in which the wire is adapted to lie. One end of the plate A is notched at O C, and adapted to admit and hold the wires. The opposite end portion D of the plate A is turned outward from the plane of said plate and is made slightly narrowerthan the body portion thereof, for reasons about to be described.

F represents a curved metal plate, corresponding in general shape to the plate A. This plate F has two lugs II on one end thereof, which project from the plane thereof and Serial No. 332,307- (No model.)

have inwardly ext-ending flanges formed thereon. One of the lugs and its integral flange are broken away in Fig. 1, thus showing clearly the relative positions of the other lug, flange,and the end portion D of the plate A. The portion D of the plate A being inserted beneath the flanges on the lugs II produces a hinged connection, and the wires being interposed between the plates in their respective notches, said plates may be approximated by tightening the winged nut J on the bolt J which latter is passed through coinciding perforations in said plates. Bydrawing the nuts the wires placed between the curved plates will be clamped as required to regulate the friction of the tension device on the wires.

K represents a bracket fixed to the plate F and adapted to support a crank-actuated drum L, which is journaled therein and in the plate F. A ratchet M at one end of the drum, and pawl N, pivoted on the bracket, prevent backward movement of the drum. A loop 0 is fixed to the drum L, and one end of the rope P may be tied thereto before winding said rope upon the drum, the other end of the rope being attached to the post S.

T represents a crank-handle, by the use of which the drum I. is rotated to wind the rope P thereon to tighten the wires.

From the foregoing description of the construction and functions of the difierent elements of my device, the operation thereof will be obvious to one skilled in the art to which my invention relates.

I claim as'my invention- 1. A grip device and wire-stretcher comprising a pair of curved plates hinged together at one end and provided with a bolt and nutwith which to approximate the other ends-and a Windlass secured to one plate, together with means for loekin g the same, as and for the purposes set forth.

2. In a grip device and wire-stretcher, a pair of curved plates hinged together at one end and provided with means for approximating and locking the other ends of said plates, one of which has a slot in the apex of one of its projecting curved portions, in combination with Windlass mechanism for stretching the wire, as and for the purposes stated.

3. In a grip device and wire-stretcher, two curved metal plates hinged together at one end and provided with means for aproximuting the free ends, one of which plates has notches in its free end and a transverse slot in the apex of one of its projecting curved portions, as and for the purposes set forth.

WILLIAM DELAIN.

Witnesses:

W. J. SANKEY, THOMAS G. ORWIG. 

